Ego depletion and the strength model of self-control: A meta-analysis.

According to the strength model, self-control is a finite resource that determines capacity for effortful control over dominant responses and, once expended, leads to impaired self-control task performance, known as ego depletion. A meta-analysis of 83 studies tested the effect of ego depletion on task performance and related outcomes, alternative explanations and moderators of the effect, and additional strength model hypotheses. Results revealed a significant effect of ego depletion on self-control task performance. Significant effect sizes were found for ego depletion on effort, perceived difficulty, negative affect, subjective fatigue, and blood glucose levels. Small, nonsignificant effects were found for positive affect and self-efficacy. Moderator analyses indicated minimal variation in the effect across sphere of depleting and dependent task, frequently used depleting and dependent tasks, presentation of tasks as single or separate experiments, type of dependent measure and control condition task, and source laboratory. The effect size was moderated by depleting task duration, task presentation by the same or different experimenters, intertask interim period, dependent task complexity, and use of dependent tasks in the choice and volition and cognitive spheres. Motivational incentives, training on self-control tasks, and glucose supplementation promoted better self-control in ego-depleted samples. Expecting further acts of self-control exacerbated the effect. Findings provide preliminary support for the ego-depletion effect and strength model hypotheses. Support for motivation and fatigue as alternative explanations for ego depletion indicate a need to integrate the strength model with other theories. Findings provide impetus for future investigation testing additional hypotheses and mechanisms of the ego-depletion effect. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Presence of long-chain dialkyl ethers in cuticular wax of the Australian chrysomelid beetleMonolepta australis

Investigation of the lipid extract of the Australian chrysomelid beetle,Monolepta australis, has revealed a novel homologous series of long-chain, unsaturated-saturated dialkyl ethers in the cuticular wax. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, proton magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, and chemical degradation have shown that ethers of formula CH₃(CH₂)₉CH=CH(CH₂)₆O(CH₂)_12–16CH₃ predominate.     

The effect of temperature on the removal of non-ionic surfactants during small-scale activated-sludge sewage treatment—I. Comparison of alcohol ethoxylates with a branched-chain alkyl phenol ethoxylate

The degree of biodegradability of three non-ionic surfactants has been assessed using small-scale activated-sludge sewage treatment plants. The effect of temperature on biodegradability was studied by operation at 15°, 11° and 8°C.The two alcohol ethoxylate surfactants tested were well degraded at all three operating temperatures. The alkyl phenol ethoxylate surfactant tested was well degraded at 15°C but at lower temperatures the biodegradability was dependent on concentration. At 5 mg 1⁻¹, greater than 90 per cent removal was achieved but at 20 mg 1⁻¹ the degree of removal fluctuated between 40 and 95 per cent at 11°C and between 20 and 80 per cent at 8°C.The present results have been compared with those obtained using the same surfactants in community trials at a small sewage works employing biological filtration. Although a similar temperature effect was observed with the alkyl phenol ethoxylate, the biodegradabilities obtained in the laboratory were consistently greater than those obtained at the sewage works, perhaps because of the constant conditions of the laboratory test.     

Guidelines for urban engineering geological investigations in South Africa

 These guidelines endeavour to provide a standard by which engineering geological investigations for urban development should be carried out. The investigations for urban development can be divided into three different categories, namely: investigations for planning, investigations for urban development and specialized geotechnical investigations. The minimum requirements for the planning and urban development investigations are listed. These guidelines suggest the level at which the various types of investigation should be carried out as well as the range of application, the scope and the methodology to be used for the different investigations. It is hoped they will provide guidance to both practitioners and clients on the importance and application of engineering geology in the establishment of new urban development. Received: 14 March 2000 · Accepted: 29 August 2000     

The effect of temperature on the removal of non-ionic surfactants during small-scale activated-sludge sewage treatment—II. Comparison of a linear alkyl phenol ethoxylate with branched-chain alkyl phenol ethoxylates

The biodegradability of a linear alkyl phenol ethoxylate surfactant has been compared with the biodegradabilities of two branched-chain alkyl phenol ethoxylates during sewage treatment in small-scale activated-sludge plants. In addition, a linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LAS) anionic surfactant was tested to study its removal during treatment in the “porous-pot” equipment. Tests were carried out at ≈ 20°, 12°, 8° and 5°C to study the effect of temperature on the removal of the different materials.Very little difference was found between the degrees of removal of any of the alkyl phenol ethoxylates. They were well degraded at 20°C, but a stable degree of removal could not be maintained at reduced temperatures. At 8°C and 5°C the percentage removals fluctuated between 60 and 90 per cent. This appears to be a feature of the behaviour of alkyl phenol ethoxylates during this type of treatment. The LAS surfactant, after a period of acclimatization, was consistently degraded by more than 90 per cent at all temperatures of operation.     

New option for recurrent rectovaginal fistulas

PURPOSE: To describe an operative technique for repair of recurrent rectovaginal fistulas. METHODS: A diamond-shaped cutaneous flap advancement into the vagina and a standard endoanal advancement flap are described for use as an alternative option in treatment of recurrent rectovaginal fistulas. RESULTS: Complete healing of fistula was achieved with no impairment of continence. CONCLUSION: This technique is suitable in treatment of recurrent rectovaginal fistulas especially in frail and elderly patients.     

The determination of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) in sewage and sewage effluent

Published methods for the determination of NTA have been examined and all have been found to be subject to interference in analysis of sewage and sewage effluents. The inadequacies of the various methods are described.

Passage of the sample through a chelating resin column as a pre-treatment to eliminate metal interference is proposed as a modification of the zinc-zincon method of determination. The procedure thus modified has given quantitative recovery of NTA from the samples analysed.     

The power of reputations: The role of third party information in the admission of new group members.

Two experiments investigated whether groups use reputational information to recruit new members. The authors manipulated the candidate's reported self-sacrifices to enter the group and the source of this information. The authors found that third party information was more influential in group admission decisions than information from the candidates themselves, suggesting the power of reputations. Furthermore, group admission rates were also influenced by opportunities to socialize new group members. These results are discussed in light of their contribution to research on reputations and group dynamics. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Normal-incidence, high-temperature, mid-infrared, InAs-GaAsvertical quantum-dot infrared photodetector

The growth, fabrication, and characterization of a normal-incidence, high-temperature, mid-wavelength infrared, InAs-GaAs vertical quantum-dot infrared photodetector with a single Al_0.3 Ga_0.7As current-blocking barrier are described and discussed in detail. A specific detectivity ≈3×10⁹ cmHz^1/2/W is measured for a detector temperature of 100 K at a bias of 0.2 V. Detector characteristics are measured for temperatures as high as 150 K. The superior low bias performance of the vertical quantum-dot infrared photodetector ensures its compatibility with commercially available silicon read-out circuits necessary for the fabrication of a focal plane array     

Two-Player Game: Playing Casual Video Games with Outgroup Members Reduces Levels of Prejudice Toward That Outgroup

Video games have traditionally held a dubious reputation in the media and have been linked to many antisocial behaviors. A large amount of research has borne out some of these concerns, linking video games with addiction and particularly aggression. However, recent work in this area has begun to examine the positive aspects of video gaming. In this work, we examine how playing casual, low-involvement video games with an outgroup member may reduce prejudice. In Study 1, participants played cooperatively or competitively with a (trivial) outgroup member or alone. In Studies 2 and 3, a meaningful social identity was used: students’ university affiliation. Participants played either cooperatively with a rival university student against the computer, or alone. Analyses of all three studies showed that attitudes toward the outgroup were more positive after playing with an outgroup member compared with control conditions. How these findings may be applied to real world groups and extensions for future research are then discussed.